Urban Meyer Previews Penn State, Confirms Nick Bosa is Out Against the Nittany Lions

By September 24, 2018 (12:02 pm)Football

Following his first game back with Ohio State, Urban Meyer returned to the podium at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center to put the Tulane game to bed and look forward to the upcoming primetime matchup against Penn State.

Ohio State is 2-1 against Penn State in State College, Pa. since Meyer arrived on campus, with the lone loss coming in the last trip to Happy Valley, a 24-21 defeat to a previously unranked Nittany Lion team.

What follows are the main takeaways from his time with the media on Monday morning.

Meyer Notes

  • Champions from Ohio State vs. Tulane: – Offense: Prince, Jordan, Munford, Knox, Pridgeon, Farrell, Dobbins, Hill, McLaurin, Dixon, Mack, Victor, Haskins and Campbell (player of the game). – Defense: Friday, Sheffield, Pryor, Fuller and Booker (player of the game).
  • Meyer said he called Dwayne Haskins on Saturday night after the Tulane win to make sure his mindset is still on football. “He is a very humble guy,” Meyer said. Discussed that players can become larger than life in Columbus and he doesn’t want his focus to stray from football.
  • When asked about the possible coach-in-waiting scenario, Meyer said he hadn’t thought about it or discussed it. Still praised Ryan Day for his ability to coach the team.
  • Meyer said Ohio State’s running game has been “completely different” without J.T. Barrett. Added Tate Martell plays more with the “J.T. package.”
  • Said the feedback from quarterback recruits has been “very positive” with how Ohio State has operated on offense this season.
  • Meyer confirmed Nick Bosa will not play against Penn State. Robert Landers and Mike Weber however, are expected to play against the Nittany Lions. Landers did not play against Tulane and Weber suffered a foot strain against the Green Wave.
  • Meyer added that Bosa has expressed his desire to return to game action, despite the injury and being a probably top-five NFL Draft pick.
  • Brian Snead has not been on the sidelines for the last two games due to a violation of team rules. Meyer said he wasn’t sure whether or not Snead would make the trip to Happy Valley.
  • “I see a very good team. Very well coached,” Meyer said when asked about Penn State.
  • Meyer called Isaiah Prince “one of the most improved players we have ever had here.”
  • “You don’t win this game without great leadership,” Meyer said of playing at Penn State. “It is one of the top-five hardest stadiums to play in.”
  • Meyer said he doesn’t see much difference in Penn State this season in terms of personnel, outside of Saquon Barkley.
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